Question 1

Which of the following best describes a dotplot?

Accepted Answer

A graph of quantitative data in which each data value is plotted as a point above a horizontal scale of values, with equal values stacked.

Question 2

What is a key feature of a stem-and-leaf plot?

Accepted Answer

It shows the shape of the distribution and retains the original data values.

Question 3

A time-series graph is most appropriate for which type of data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data collected at different points in time.

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential problem with using a vertical axis that does not start at zero in a bar graph?

Accepted Answer

It exaggerates differences between groups, potentially misleading viewers.

Question 5

A Pareto chart is a special type of bar graph. What distinguishes it from a standard bar graph?

Accepted Answer

It arranges bars in descending order of frequency to highlight the most important categories.

Question 6

Which of the following is a principle for constructing effective statistical graphs, according to Edward Tufte?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the true nature of the data and avoid distracting design features.

Question 7

Why can pictographs be misleading when representing one-dimensional data such as budget amounts?

Accepted Answer

They use two- or three-dimensional objects, which can exaggerate differences due to area or volume scaling.

Question 8

Suppose you are given a small data set of 15 values. According to Tufte's principles, what is the best way to present this data?

Accepted Answer

Use a table instead of a graph.

Question 9

Which type of graph is best for showing the distribution of categorical data in a commonly used format?

Accepted Answer

Pie chart

Question 10

A frequency polygon differs from a histogram in which way?

Accepted Answer

It uses line segments connected to points above class midpoints instead of bars.

Question 11

If a cube in a pictograph is used to represent a value, and each side of the cube is doubled, by what factor does the volume (and thus the visual impression) increase?

Accepted Answer

By a factor of 8

Question 12

Which of the following graphs would be most appropriate for comparing the frequencies of different causes of fatal plane crashes?

Accepted Answer

Pareto chart

Question 13

A relative frequency polygon differs from a frequency polygon in that:

Accepted Answer

It uses percentages or proportions for the vertical scale.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a stemplot?

Accepted Answer

It is only used for categorical data.

Question 15

A bar graph is used to:

Accepted Answer

Show the relative distribution of categorical data, making it easier to compare categories.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of a time-series graph?

Accepted Answer

To reveal information about trends over time.

Question 17

If a graph uses a vertical axis that starts at 50 instead of 0, what is the likely effect?

Accepted Answer

It will exaggerate the differences between groups.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about dotplots?

Accepted Answer

They make it possible to recreate the original list of data values.

Question 19

A pie chart is most useful when:

Accepted Answer

You want to show the distribution of categorical data in a commonly used format.

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential pitfall when using pictographs to represent data?

Accepted Answer

They can grossly distort differences by using area or volume, not just length.

Exploring Data with Tables and Graphs: Elementary Statistics Study Notes

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